February is Black History Month! We always look forward to BHM events like the Portland Jazz Festival, which is being held February 20 – March 1. This music festival includes artists who are driving the evolution of jazz alongside Grammy Award-winning masters. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to recognize the contributions, arts, history, and culture of the African American community. Show your support to the Black-owned businesses and organizations listed below in Portland during the month of February, and all year long.
- Alberta: Fuel Cafe serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, cocktails, and more. Homemade biscuits are a highlight!
- Beaumont: Puddletown Games & Puzzles is a great ‘one-stop’ shop for both classic and unique games.
- Central Eastside: Parker + Simone creates handmade tops and tunics from unique heritage textiles sourced from all over the world. You can find her work over at one of our favorite shops in Portland, Cargo.
- Division/Clinton: Check out Third Eye Books & Gifts’ extensive selection of African-centered books, accessories, and gifts, the largest in the Portland Metro Area.
- Foster: Did you know that Assembly Brewing is the first Black-owned brewery in the state of Oregon? They also have some of the most authentic (and delicious!!!) Detroit-style pizza this side of the Mississippi. While you’re in the neighborhood, head over to Royalty Spirits and taste what this Black-owned business is distilling.
- Lents: Craving Jamaican cuisine? FiMi Kingston serves up traditional jerk chicken, pork, and sausage, as well as a variety of bowls and sides (including fried plantains!).
- Lloyd: Satisfy your sweet tooth with Joe Brown’s Carmel Corn, which has been a Portland institution since 1932 and offers flavored popcorn, nuts, candy, cookies, cotton candy, and Hana’s Snowballs.
- Midway: Sister’s Ethiopian Restaurant serves authentic, delicious Ethiopian food to a Portland audience. Their specialty is Injera flatbread with a variety of curries, and the veggie combo is highly recommended!
- Old Town: Deadstock Coffee is a sneaker-themed coffee shop that provides a welcoming space with a barbershop feel. Plus, they roast their own beans!
- Soul District: Champions Barbershop is an upscale barber shop that offers “Champion level” grooming and customer service. Kee’s Loaded Kitchen serves soul food including smoked brisket, fried chicken, mac and cheese, fresh bread, loaded baked potatoes, and desserts.
- St. Johns: Club Sky High is a local, family-owned cannabis dispensary that specializes in strains that are grown and lab-tested in Oregon. Portlandia Food Tours explore the city’s history and culture through local chefs and vendors, sharing their stories and contributions in making Portland a vibrant culinary destination. This educational and entertaining journey is sure to leave guests with a deeper appreciation for the diversity and creativity of Portland’s food culture.
- Williams District: House of Flavor is a small specialized grocery store bringing African and Caribbean flavors to Portland. If you like hot sauces, explore their selection of hot to extremely hot sauces.
This list is non-exhaustive. There are plenty of other ways to celebrate Black History Month. If you need more ideas, the Mercatus Business Directory has plentiful options for supporting Black-owned businesses. How do you plan to support your local Black-owned business? Show us on Instagram and Facebook